A guide to research in music education

Abstract

Educational research is largely based on research paradigms related to experimental psychology. However, during the last three decades, qualitative research paradigms have gained steadily in educational research. Qualitative research is known by many names, including ethnographic, naturalistic, subjective, and post-positivist. The method for this approach has its roots in the designs of ethnographic research developed by anthropologists and sociologists. Ethnographies are reports on cultural contexts or groups. They report, as widely as possible, all data from the perspective of the subjects under study. Taking the point of view of the group under study requires that the researcher empathize with that group. Ethnographic research is empirical and carried out in the field of study; The data is acquired first hand. The statements of subjects are often recorded, transcribed and then studied critically in order to discover patterns or themes congruent with the real life context from which they were extrapolated. As a result, most of the data collection in qualitative research is done during field work.